Helpful information

Preparing and planning for the celebration of your life can happen at any time because it is something that will occur for us all. Making notes on your preferences or ideas for your final farewell makes it easier to enact your wishes and takes the pressure off those left behind. I often meet with people who are in palliative care to discuss their wishes for their final farewell which allows them to take charge of what they otherwise have little control. It also eases the burden on those making the arrangements for the funeral or memorial. 

Some things you may like to think about when planning a funeral or memorial:

- Are you aware of what the deceased wanted for their funeral or memorial? 

- Where and when would you like to have the funeral or memorial?

- Is the deceased being cremated or buried? 

- Do you wish to live stream the service for those who are unable to attend in person? 

- Did you want to decorate the coffin at the service or before? 

-Are there items that represent the deceased that could be in place at the funeral or memorial? i.e. a hat, photograph, ornament, sports equipment or favourite things? 

- What type of music would you like to include, and do you want recorded or live music?

- Is there a particular artist, poet or author who's words you could use? 

- Did you want to offer a slideshow of photo memories? 

 - Who would you like to speak during the funeral of memorial and would you like to include a eulogy? 

- Do you want to provide a service booklet or bookmark?

-Do you want people to send you photos or memories? 

-Do you want people to write messages to the deceased to place with them?

- Do you want a sign-in book for those attending, with just their names or with messages too? 

- What interest or hobbies did the deceased enjoy and how can these be included? 

-Do you want to include a floral, petal or leaf tribute?

- Is there anyone or any group you want to mention? 

- Are there any spiritual, cultural or symbolic ceremonies you wish to include? 

- Do you want to include any religious elements? 

- What do you want people to remember when they leave or did you want to give them anything to take with them? i.e. a favourite chocolate, flower, drink, book or other craft or handmade item. 

- Did the deceased have a favourite colour or item of clothing you would like people to wear? 

- Did you want to plant something in memory of the deceased? 

- Is there a charity or organisation you would like people to donate to in place of flowers? 

- Do you want to include specialised transport to escort the deceased? 

Developing a framework for the service in the form of an 'order of service' can be helpful. Below is on example of what can be included which may be of use when considering what you would like for the service you are arranging.

(This is a sample only, the order can be changed and not all items are required). 

- Music to commence 

-Welcome and Introduction

-Eulogy

-Tributes from friends and family

-Poem/verse/reading/prayer

-Slideshow and music

-Flower or symbolic tribute

-Thanks and conclusion

-Music to conclude service

A print out of order of service is an option but can be provided in the form of a bookmark or a booklet should you wish to include more photos, and copies of readings, verses, poems or prayers. 

Most funeral directors can assist you with printing these but you can also use either Officeworks (who need about 48 hours for printing) or Heavens Gate Remembrance Stationery https://heavensgate.com.au

If you need to arrange a livestream for the service, the team at Attnd are highly skilled and mobile professionals who are  capable and reliable https://attnd.com.au